Tourette’s activist John Davidson speaks out after N-word outburst at BAFTAs: ‘Deeply mortified’

Tourette’s activist John Davidson said he’s “deeply mortified” after shouting the N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the 2026 BAFTA Awards on Sunday.

Davidson shared in a statement to Deadline that he’s “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”

“I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, ‘I Swear,’ which, more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits, and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome,” he continued.

“I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness, and understanding from others, and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”

BAFTA also apologized for the incident in a statement, noting it took “full responsibility” for putting its “guests in a very difficult situation.”

“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism,” it said.

Jordan and Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash” at the BAFTA Awards when the shocking outburst could be heard by the audience.

The “Sinners” stars continued presenting despite the awkward moment, and BAFTA host Alan Cumming apologized afterward.

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” Cumming told the audience, per Variety.

“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

Cumming addressed the incident further, noting, “Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language.”

“We apologize if you are offended tonight.”

Lindo later said that nobody from BAFTA reached out to him and Jordan after the racial slur was hurled at them.

Lindo, 73, acknowledged that he and Jordan, 39, “did what [they] had to do” and kept presenting while speaking to Vanity Fair at a Warner Bros. afterparty, and said that he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to [them] afterwards.” 

Davidson is the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated movie “I Swear,” which is based on his life.

Tourette’s syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds, or tics, that can’t be easily controlled, according to the Mayo Clinic.